Artist Statement
I have been asking the clay to speak to me and cooperate so that I can create. The influence of yarn and crochet/knit work can be observed in my work. I incorporate it in many ways, for example, by crocheting into already sculpted and fired pieces and by creating a piece out of crochet and dipping it into slip. The viewer sees clay that mimics yarn and yarn incorporated with clay but still in its own form. The viewer sees pieces that are imperfect with different shapes, holes, and fingerprints that help the piece to meld with the yarn. For example, I created a bowl where the top is asymmetrical and wavy so that the true color and shape of the yarn can be fully expressed. This is of main relevance to me and my work because my favorite medium is to create crochet and knit clothing. Creating these ceramic pieces help me to grow/improve my skill set in both my ceramic work and my crochet/knitwear. The elements of yarn are extremely important and nonnegotiable in my work because that is the source of my inspiration. The personal meaning behind my series is to explore the different elements of yarn and how it can be used in non-traditional ways. This is personal to me because working with yarn means so much to me and is a huge part of my life.